P&O Cruises can trace its colourful history all the way back to 1837. On 1st September that year, Arthur Anderson and Brodie McGhie Wilcox, founders of the Peninsular Steam Navigation Company, were awarded a contract from the British Government to carry mail from London to the Iberian Peninsula. At that time passengers were also carried on these routes, but initially it was more a case of business than pleasure.
It is commonly believed that Arthur Anderson first imagined deep-sea cruising two years before establishing the company. Arthur placed a dummy advertisement selling a mythical cruise to fill space in the first edition of his ‘Shetland Journal’ newspaper.
As the company picked up more contracts with more varied destinations, they also put Anderson’s idea for leisure cruise travel into action. They offered round trip tickets to some of the more exotic destinations along their routes like Malta, Athens and Egypt. Needless to say this new holiday phenomenon well and truly took off.
P&O Cruises set the standards for quality, service, reliability, comfort, safety and innovation. And this forward-looking approach ensures that we remain at the forefront of cruise holidays.
What makes Azamara Club Cruises® different from everyone else? It’s our focus on Destination Immersion®—which lets you stay longer and experience more on every one of our voyages. This means you get to explore everything from nightlife in Stockholm and morning walks in the French Riviera to all-day adventures in Costa Rica’s rain forests. Because life isn’t on a 9 to 5 schedule, and neither are Azamara voyages.
You’ll also experience incredibly scenic waterways and prime docking locations—two great advantages of our boutique-style award-winning ships. Here you’ll find people who are genuinely friendly and happy to make you feel welcomed, and with a maximum of 690 guests, staff and crew can quickly learn your name, tastes, and preferences, too. Plus you’ll enjoy lots of inclusive amenities that will leave money in your wallet and put a smile on your face. We’re the voyage for those who love travel.
